근로시간 유연화 제도의 시행이 중소기업 노동비용에 미치는 영향

Abstract

This paper empirically investigates the impact of the implementation of flexible working hour systems on labor costs in small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs). Previous studies have shown that the introduction of legal measures such as the 52-hour workweek has increased labor costs for companies. In response, many companies have adopted flexible working hour systems. However, it is important to assess whether the implementation of flexible working hour systems align with their intended policy purpose of reducing labor costs. To investigate this, the study classified companies that meet the criteria of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Basic Act based on total assets and annual sales using data from ‘Workplace Panel Survey’. The analysis aims to assess the effects of flexible working hour systems on key variable : “per capita labor costs”. This variable serve as proxies for labor costs. The analysis was conducted using “Fixed effects model”, and “Random effects model”. The purpose of this was to examine the introduction of flexible working hour systems and the between effects and within effects of the entities. The findings revealed contrasting results across different industries. In sectors such as “Manufacturing” and “Business Facility Management and Business Support Services”, the implementation of flexible working hour systems leads to an increase in per capita labor costs, contrary to the intended purpose of the policy. In the ‘Wholesale and Retail Trade’ industry, per capita labor costs increased when only one of the flexible working hour system was implemented which is “elastic working hour system”. Simultaneous adoption of “selective working hour system” with “elastic working hour system” resulted in a decrease in per capita labor costs. Several factors may contribute to these divergent outcomes. It is possible that the unpredictable nature of seasonal variations in workload hindered the ability to increase labor as needed. Additionally, the short unit periods of the flexible working hour systems might have limited their effectiveness. Moreover, the occurrence of wage protection measures during labor-management negotiations could have undermined the potential benefits of the system. Lastly, the introduction of a comprehensive wage system may contribute to these outcomes. Recognizing the need for corrective measures, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has proposed reforms to the working hour systems. However, it is essential to adopt a flexible approach that considers the unique characteristics of each industry. Future research should delve deeper into the specific mechanisms through which flexible working hour systems affect labor costs in SMEs, taking into account industry-specific factors and contextual nuances.